Since 2006, Xcape Dance Studio has provided a home where young people can find true friends, excellent teachers, a positive environment and a passion for dance. The studio offers low-cost, comprehensive dance education and aims to inspire and motivate students while fostering an appreciation for the arts.

By using dance as a physical, social and artistic outlet for youth ages 6 to 22, Xcape teaches life lessons through music and dance in a safe atmosphere, while providing a healthy, fun, after-school program for students in the First and Sixth Wards, Downtown and East Side neighborhoods. Instructors provide a fun and nurturing environment where children and young adults of all personalities and backgrounds can explore their creativity while learning valuable life skills such as teamwork and discipline.

Last year, Xcape provided excellent dance instruction to over 200 students in a full weekly schedule of ballet, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary/modern classes. Teachers work hard to help young people develop a passion for dance and encourage them not to be afraid to explore new genres. As a result, 75 percent of Xcape’s students were enrolled in more than one class last year. Classes run from September to May, Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and are open to all participants who meet the age requirements. The duration of lessons is determined by the age range and area of study of the individual students.

In addition to its class offerings, Xcape holds annual auditions for the studio’s Hip-Hop and Contemporary/Modern Companies. Dancers who are accepted into these groups are held to high standards of attendance and achievement, and they continue to rise beyond expectations. They and their parents read and sign a contract with clear expectations and guidelines for participation, in consideration of and not limited to attendance, tardiness, performance appearances, school grades, abstinence from drugs and alcohol, behavior.

The Hip-Hop and Contemporary/Modern Companies performed at 25 local events in 2014, including the grand opening of the PPL Center, Allentown’s new arena and home of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. Xcape was thrilled to be a part of this momentous event, which has sparked the revitalization of Downtown Allentown.

Auditions are required for all company dancers. Participants have the opportunity to take part in monthly master classes/workshops taught by guest artists. Students and parents read and sign a contract with clear expectations and guidelines for participation in consideration of and not limited to: Attendance, tardiness, performance appearances, school grades, abstinence from drugs and alcohol, and behavior.

BalletThe foundation of all dance forms. Proper technique and terminology are taught. Students learn correct body placement and alignment while building flexibility, balance and strength. These skills assist in excelling in all styles of dance.

JazzA high-energy style of dance performed to upbeat music. Focus is on isolations, coordination and exciting turns, leaps and jumps.

Hip-HopAn exhilarating dance class that teaches the latest urban street moves. Elements of popping, locking, house and club dancing are incorporated into the class.

Contemporary/ModernA technical style of dance that encourages dancers to express emotions. Students develop an ability to communicate ideas and thoughts through movement.

About Our Classes

Classes will run from September to May and are open to all participants who meet the age requirements.

New students may register at the beginning of each month. Upon registration, parents/guardians must fill out an information sheet and will receive a pamphlet with all pertinent information.

All classes perform in an annual dance recital in the late spring.

Summer classes begin in June and run through August.

There is a small monthly fee for each month of participation.

.Xcape Featured on the Queen Latifah Show

"It's well-known that Queen Latifah's mom was a teacher, and that's why she has a soft soft for educators and their dedication to their students. She found two teachers from Allentown, Pennsylvania who are turning their love of dance into a lifelong lesson for their students. Dawn Blanco is the Program Director for Xcape, an incredible nonprofit dance program for disadvantaged children, teens, and adults in Pennsylvania." Read more.

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